Surgical Correction of Posttraumatic Varus Deformity of the Distal Tibia Due to Medial Growth Arrest in Children and Adolescents: Surgical Technique

Abstract

Background: Varus deformity of the distal tibia secondary to epiphyseal fracture and partial growth arrest is relatively common. Growth arrest of the medial part of the epiphysis leads to varus deformity of the distal tibia and fibular overgrowth. If the deformity is left untreated, the malalignment may lead to irreversible damage and early ankle joint osteoarthritis in the long term. Several surgical techniques have been described in the literature to achieve correction and prevent late complications. These include the closure of the remaining epiphysis and various osteotomies around the ankle, using internal and external fixation. Materials and Methods: We report a technique that includes medial open wedge supramalleolar osteotomy, insertion of a structural cortical allograft and fixation with an anatomically contoured locking plate, completion of closure of the distal tibial physis, and distal fibular epiphysiodesis to prevent tibiofibular relations distortion. Part of this protocol is osteotomy of the distal fibula to prevent excessive pressure on the talus, and at the end of the operation, fibular fixation should be performed as well. In children with open physis and potential for significant leg length discrepancy, we recommend closure of the contralateral physis of the distal tibia and fibula. To the best of our knowledge, precise details of this protocol have not been described. Conclusion: We believe that this protocol is a reliable, accurate, and relatively simple method that provides not only anatomic correction and restoration of the ankle joint to prevent early ankle and subtalar arthritis but also addresses late complications, such as ipsilateral fibular overgrowth and limb length discrepancy.